-
September 24, 2023Dear Parishioners,
This next month we will see some transition in our parishes, as we’ve been talking about lately. As we announced this past weekend, Fr. Kevin Upham will begin a new assignment full time as chaplain to our hospitals, beginning on October 16th. We will certainly miss him, but as I said, he is doing critical ministry in our hospitals and is such a wonderful presence to the sick and suffering in our community.
With Fr. Kevin’s new assignment, I’ve been talking with various parishes about our current Mass schedule and inquiring about possible adjustments that would be helpful to us all. These conversations have been very helpful, and I am grateful for the feedback and discussion, which has helped me to better understand our needs moving forward. We’ve considered many, many different options. After weighing everything, it is clear to me that our current schedule should remain. Some challenges remain, particularly at Sacred Heart, but every option we considered would have led to a less helpful outcome. So we will work within the limitations that we have to build up the communities of each Mass and address challenges as we can.
Yet we do not want to remain static, and it is important to do all that we can to serve our community’s sacramental needs well. With this in mind, we will be adding two additional Masses to our weekend schedule beginning on Sunday, October 15th. The first of the two will be at 7:00AM and the second will be at 7:30PM. The goal of these Masses is to provide some additional options for those whose work, travel, and recreation make it difficult for them to attend Sunday Mass. They will both be at the Cathedral Chapel. The reason for the Cathedral chapel location is the ease of access (fully handicap accessible), availability of well-appointed confessionals, availability of parking, and lower cost of heat and maintenance. Both Masses will be “low” Masses. At first there will be no music. We may eventually add a cantor, if possible, to chant antiphons and Mass parts. These two Mass times are not offered by any of our neighboring parishes, to my knowledge. The 7AM Mass is early for most, but will serve those who need to get an early start on the day. The 7:30PM Mass is timed to be an option for those who are working the 12 hour shifts at our hospitals from 7AM-7PM, and for others who have not had a chance to go to Mass earlier in the day.
In addition to these added Sunday Masses, we will be increasing the hours when confession is offered. Beginning October 14th, confessions will be offered weekdays from 11AM-12PM at the Cathedral Chapel. Saturdays, confessions will be offered from 2PM-3:30PM at the Cathedral and 4-5PM at St. Peters. Sundays, confessions will be offered from 6:30-7:15PM at the Cathedral. These adjustments will be noted in upcoming bulletins, but I wanted to give you a heads up.
Lastly, our two resident priests, Fr. Toniyo and Fr. Dass, have received assignments from Bishop Deeley and will be departing at the end of the month. It has been a joy to have them in our parishes and we will miss them. Please pray for them as they begin their new assignments! Hope you are enjoying the fall weather! Know of my prayers,
Fr. Seamus Griesbach
